‘Sounds familiar’: how the US-Israeli war in Iran parallels Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

The article examines parallels between the US-Israeli campaign against Iran and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. While not identical, both conflicts share similarities in shifting objectives and questionable legal justifications. Initially, the US framed its actions as preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, but goals have expanded to regime change. Similarly, Russia's initial aims of "demilitarization and denazification" in Ukraine evolved to protecting Russian speakers and annexing territories. Both sides also use defensive rhetoric, claiming to be finishing a war they didn't start. Neither the US nor Russia initially anticipated a prolonged conflict.

On March 10, 2026, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call initiated by Washington to discuss international issues. The Kremlin reported that the leaders engaged in a "serious and constructive" conversation, primarily focusing on the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign in Iran. Putin advocated for a swift political and diplomatic resolution to the conflict. The discussion also included the situation in Ukraine and bilateral negotiations between the US and Russia regarding that conflict. This was the first call between the two leaders since December.